Today I have a wonderful treat. I have the last three novellas in the Golden Key Chronicles. The first one I have reviewed a while ago called, Rowena’s Key. You can find that review here. Book Two is Candra’s Freedom, Book Three is Caedmon’s Curse and Book Four is Braedric’s Bane. Be sure to keep reading about the next three books in the Golden Key Chronicles.

Candra’s Freedom Book Blurb:

The key would unlock his future and the safety of his kingdom, but he never imagined the sorceress would unlock his heart…

Lost in a world she doesn’t recognize, Rowena struggles to find her place.

Yet her abilities with a blade and the loyalty of a fierce falcon don’t discourage the heated advances of the handsome Prince Caedmon, and the connection between them seems much deeper than her troubled heart can recall.

Review:

For the past two years Rowena has had to navigate a world that is completely unfamiliar to her. Ever since Prince Caedmon was taken away so long ago all she has done is survive. In doing so she has learned how to be powerful with weapons and fighting. When Prince Caedmon has finally come how she must fight off an entirely different battle. Fighting an attraction she doesn’t understand and plotting her escape is only part of Rowena’s plan for leaving a world she has no memory of.

I adored this follow up to the first book. It takes off two years after the first book ends. It is truly a great adaptation of putting modern woman in a world that is far from that. With no memory but all of her instincts screaming for a freedom she doesn’t understand made this book all the more interesting. It was also pretty fun seeing Rowena and Caedmon’s reunion. A reunion only one of them was looking forward to. This was an awesome follow-up to Rowena’s Key.

Caedmon’s Curse Book Blurb:

The two years Prince Caedmon suffered in the dungeons of Seviere’s keep left him with more than just lash marks lacing his back. He now retains the secret behind the key, and is the only one who understands its grim connection to his beloved Rowena. Torn between telling her the truth and risking their future, he agrees to join her perilous quest. But their enemies to the north are not the only menace determined to see them fail and, to prove his love, he must conquer the demons of his past.

Review:

Caedmon’s knowledge of what will allow for Rowena to have her memories back pulls him in two directions. His memories of his two years being tortured helps for him to keep a secret he knows Rowena wants to desperately know. It isn’t until the two of them truly find each other again that Caedmon relents to helping her get the key back. When they go after the key they don’t expect what they find.

This book really brings Caedmon’s and Rowena’s relationship into a better view. We go back to seeing why Rowena made the choice she did and how they truly feel about one another. In this book really we see how though Rowena’s memories have been gone her independence isn’t and it pushes Caedmon in a way he doesn’t feel comfortable going. This was a fantastic follow-up to Candra’s Freedom.

Braedric’s Bane Book Blurb:

The key would unlock his future and the safety of his kingdom, but he never imagined the sorceress would unlock his heart…

To escape the clutches of the evil Wizard Gaelleod, Rowena and Caedmon flee to the future. With her memories in tact and the help of her dear friends, Rowena is confident they can uncover the clues behind her connection to the key.

Yet Violet’s dire prophecy does more than detail their history. Caedmon’s worst fears are confirmed. Though they must return to his realm, everything he loves stands to be ripped from his grasp.

Review:

When Rowena and Caedmon escape through the wardrobe and back to her time they don’t know what they will find. But, when Caedmon experiences her world for the first time he is amazed and surprised with what Rowena left to be with him. Though they must make a decision to stay or go. The information they get from Rowena’s friend will change everything for them. They know they must return but if what Rowena’s friend predicts will happen then only one of them will survive going back.

This was a great ending to this series of books. By the time we arrive to Braedric’s Bane we are so fully committed to Rowena and Caedmon’s story that you won’t want the predictions to be correct. As in all of the books the reader will be hoping for the lovers to over come all the obstacles they have in their way. The reader will also get all the answers as to why certain events happened. This is truly a fulfilling ending to a series that grabs the reader and won’t let go until the very last word.

Happy Friday! Today I am bringing to you an emotional ride that will have you craving more with every page you turn. Cassandra Giovanni has such a talent for weaving an emotional tale that will leave you both fulfilled and emotional for days after you finish the book. For my full review keep reading after the book blurb. Have an awesome weekend and be sure to share what your reading!

Book Blurb:

Ellie Abela’s life has been anything but easy. Tragedy follows her where ever she goes, and she’s been a lot of places. At twenty she’s lived in over ten different states, all because of her dad’s career in medical research. His career is just another list of the causes of tragedies in El’s life. He’s dying, and with every breath he takes closer to Heaven, Ellie dies a little bit inside too.
At twelve she lost her mom in a drunk driving accident, and in a matter of months she fears she’ll lose the last person she has in the world to cancer.
While Ellie’s life has been rife with sadness, Trent Wentworth’s has been a challenge. A drug-addicted mom and a dead-beat dad meant at twenty three he was the adoptive father of his two year old sister. Now at twenty five he’s working his way up the corporate ladder and a struggling single parent.
Each is searching for a cure to the things in their lives dragging them down.
Not all cures are black and white; not all cures save us–and sometimes saving isn’t what we need. Sometimes we just need to realize how lucky we are to be alive, at least for this moment.

Review:

For so long it has seemed like a struggle just living for Ellie. Between losing her mother at a young age and her father fighting the disease that will kill him, Ellie has lost herself in the world of sorry and grief. That is until she meets Trent. Trent’s life has been hard with a drug addict for a mother and a dead-beat dad. His life becomes even more complicated when he adopts two-year old sister. When Trent and Ellie meet they seem to click and find in each other what the other has been lacking. But, when things get really tough will they be able to hold their lives together and realize that their love can be the cure to all their troubles.

I was absolutely floored by this beautiful story. Ellie and Trent’s love and relationship is one that will have you striving for that kind of love. The story is expertly written to bring the reader into Ellie’s world of grief and sorrow. But, just as you are brought into the hardest parts of her life you will also share the happiest of them. Your heart will break and heal in the matter of chapters. This is a touching and heartbreaking love story that will show the reader the power of love in healing and accepting a future that you can’t control. I adored this book and I can’t wait to get my hands on another Cassandra Giovanni book. If you like books by Colleen Hoover then you will love this one by Cassandra Giovanni.

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Another Monday brings another wonderful book for me to share with you. Take Me Now is a contemporary romance with a suspenseful twist. This wonderful story takes one part stubborn alpha, one part sassy heroine and one part danger to make a sexy romance with suspense on the side. For my full review keep reading after the book blurb. Have a wonderful week!

Book Blurb:

Patience isn’t Nairn Malcolm’s strong point when he finds himself and his business mysteriously under attack. He needs a general factotum immediately— someone with exceptionally varied skills who can ferry him around, help him keep his business running smoothly and be available to him 24/7. He doesn’t expect the only candidate who arrives at his Scottish island castle for an interview to be so competent…or so incredibly attractive.

Aela Cameron’s range of talents is perfect for Nairn’s current predicament. She loves transporting him all over the globe, adores his restored Scottish island castle, and is thrilled with his hectic lifestyle. Dangerous situations don’t faze her, in fact they make her more determined to solve the mystery of Nairn’s saboteur. She’s not into passing flings – yet how can she resist her new boss as time runs out on her temporary contract?

Can Nairn persuade Aela she’s the woman for the long haul as the mystery is solved?

Review:

Nairn is a workaholic. Even after he is injured in an accident he insists on interviewing for his open PA position. What Nairn doesn’t bank on is the no nonsense way Aela first deals with her incapacitated prospective employer. As Nairn and Aela learn how to work together they become closer than normal employer and employees should. But, when danger comes into play all Nairn can think is to protect Aela and send her away. What he doesn’t expect is a woman that will do as she pleases. Can the two of them survive the people determined to hurt them? Can they even survive each other?

This was quite a ride. It had some very funny moments, sexy moments and don’t forget the suspense. Nairn and Aela’s relationship was a memorable one. it was fun watching it develop even if it started off stranger than most. It was the development and growth between these two characters that propelled the story. Through them they discover what is really happening to Nairn’s company. Along the way they discover things about each other that brings them closer. Nancy Jardine manages to weave a romantic story with the added rush of danger and intrigue. I would recommend anyone to pick up this book just to meet your next broody book boyfriend, Nairn Malcolm.

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Happy Friday! Today I am bringing to you a wonderful story. A story that anyone will relate to even if its for a moment. This story really pulls on the reader’s heartstrings. For my full review keep reading after the book blurb. Have a fantastic weekend!

Book Blurb:

The tragedy and comedy that is Jack’s life; secrets, lies, long lost loves and family ties.
Jack Redman, estate agent to the Cheshire set. An unlikely hero? Or someone to break all the rules? Wild water is the story of forty-something estate agent Jack, who is stressed out not only by work, bills and the approach of Christmas but by the feeling that he and his wife Patsy are growing apart. His misgivings prove founded when he discovers Patsy is having an affair, and is pregnant.
At the same time as his marriage begins to collapse around him, he becomes reacquainted with his childhood sweetheart, Anna, whom he left for Patsy twenty five years before. His feelings towards Anna reawaken, but will life and family conflicts conspire to keep them apart again?

Review:

For years Jack has been living a lie. Only Jack never knew it. When his life suddenly spirals out of control with his business, his wife leaving and his children falling to pieces all he can see are the lies and mistakes he’s made. This is truly highlighted when he sees his former love, Anna. His world only feels stable around her. This is particularly true when his wife drops the bomb that she is pregnant and his father becomes ill. Just when Jack feels like his life is straightening out everything he’s known and the choices he’s made are proven to have been manipulations and lies. Can Jack pull himself together? Will he and Anna have a second chance?

This was a wonderful novel illustrating how life can be unpredictable and has the ability to cripple you. Jack shows the reader that when life really nails you to the wall its all about how you cope with those moments. It was a definite roller coaster ride of emotions both good and bad. You truly feel for Jack and all of the things that keep flying his way. You will also loath his wife, Patsy. Jan Ruth’s ability to weave a fascinating story with such emotion and relatability is a true talent. This book is fantastic for a reader looking for an emotional ride that is realistic and engaging. I look forward to the next wonderful novel by Jan.

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Happy Friday!! Today I have a novella from a series I have reviewed on here before. This novella is a prequel to the book, Cloaked in Fur. We learn more about the characters and how they met. This was a fun, quick read. For my full review keep reading after the book blurb. Have a fantastic weekend!

Book Blurb:

Raised by an overly protective wulfkin pack, Daciana leaps at the chance to venture into the human world for her one-year independence ritual. But after someone steals the endangered bear cubs she’s been assigned to protect, she must locate them or lose her job and return home in disgrace. The sexy inspector on the case isn’t making this any easier. He knows nothing of her kind, and wulfkin rules forbid relationships with humans.

Newly divorced Inspector Connell Lonescu trusts no one but himself. He’s convinced relationships are a waste of time and thinks burying himself in work will ease the pain. Yet he’s attracted to the gorgeous and mysterious Daciana, even if there’s something slightly odd about her. Can Connell learn to trust the sexy but secretive woman?

Review:

Daciana is on her year away from her wolf pack. She is working at an animal institute. When the bear cubs she has been looking after are taken she is thrown into the mix as suspect, investigator and trespasser. Through this she works with Connell, the Inspector in charge of the case. Through their search the two become closer and as their passion flares so does the intensity of the case. Will they be able to control their passions long enough to find the bear cubs or will they be too late?

I love Daciana and Connell. They are smart, well developed characters that flow well within the story. You can really see how their relationship developed into the one we see in Cloaked in Fur. The paranormal aspect is fairly little in this book. It is mentioned and she only shifts one time. If you are looking for something that has a lot of paranormal this novella won’t give it to you. But, this is a prequel that definitely shows the paranormal in the follow-up. Overall, this is a great novella. I can’t wait to see what T.F Walsh has in store next.

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Welcome to another week. Today I have a lovely young adult fantasy that weaves through time with expertise. This is a book that will have you guessing what will happen next. For my full review keep reading after the book blurb. Have a great week ahead!

Book Blurb:

Everyone in Arnn – a small farming town with more legends than residents – knows the story of Witchwood Hollow: if you venture into the whispering forest, the witch will trap your soul among the shadowed trees.

After losing her parents in a horrific terrorist attack on the Twin Towers, fifteen-year-old Honoria and her older brother escape New York City to Arnn. In the lure of that perpetual darkness, Honoria finds hope, when she should be afraid.

Perhaps the witch can reunite her with her lost parents. Awakening the witch, however, brings more than salvation from mourning, for Honoria discovers a past of missing children and broken promises.

To save the citizens of Arnn from becoming the witch’s next victims, she must find the truth behind the woman’s madness.

How deep into Witchwood Hollow does Honoria dare venture?

Review:

Honoria has just moved to Arnn with her brother, aunt and uncle. Her parents just passed away from the Twin Towers collapse. She doesn’t realize what she has come upon in the supposed haunted forest. As she learns more about those who have disappeared and her own experiences with Witchwood Hollows she can’t help but begin to believe what all of Arnn has figured out. Will Honoria be able to survive the hollow or will the witch take another?

This was an entertaining fantasy novel. I really enjoyed the story’s weaving between times. The characters were well developed and by the end you saw how they grew through their trials. The descriptions of the surroundings was very vivid. It draws in a reader and allows you put yourself in those woods too. In the end, I thought it was a good book, but I didn’t like how it ended. I am all for a good twist, but this felt a little pointless and didn’t feel like it fit the story well. I would recommend this for anyone looking for a new fantasy that will take you on an interesting ride.

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TGIF! Today I have the fourth installment of Mary Morgan’s Order of the Dragon Knights series. We follow the fourth Dragon Knight as he must accept his place and role in the order again or the evil druid could destroy all he loves. For my full review keep reading after the book blurb. Have a phenomenal weekend!!

Book Blurb:

Angus MacKay, leader of the Dragon Knights, failed his brothers and his clan upon the death of his sister. Now he must fight the darkness of despair tempting his soul. Back on Scottish soil, he comes face to face with Deirdre who can wield a sword as mightily as his warriors, and takes her captive. Yet, with each passing day, the fire dragon inside him roars to claim the one woman fate has destined for him.

Famed mystery writer, Deirdre Flanagan, is unprepared for the next chapter in her life. On a vacation to Scotland, she steps through the mists and enters into a skirmish alongside a Highlander. However, the fight has only begun, and now she must battle Angus as well as evil in order to claim the love of this Dragon Knight.

Will their love be powerful enough to shield them from danger, or burn them to ashes?

Review:

Angus was the leader of the Dragon Knights. That was until his sister was accidentally killed by his brother scattering the brothers. Angus has been fighting in tournaments the years since this has happened. When a group of druid warriors approach him on going back to Scotland he is hesitant but agrees. When he steps on to Scottish soil he soon finds himself with a woman from a strange time wearing strange clothes and fighting better than any man. Dierdre went on a trip to Scotland. She didn’t realize that trip would take her back to the 13th century. As Angus and Dierdre fight to understand their destiny and those who are against them they are drawn by the force of fate, love and passion. But can this love bring the final Dragon Knight back or will it all turn to flames?

This Dragon Knight may be my favorite so far. Loved Angus and Dierdre’s relationship. The idea of the strong minded woman of today fighting alongside a highland warrior was such a cool idea. The fantasy and history woven together draws the reader in and won’t let go. Each time I get a Mary Morgan book I know that I am in for a treat. A treat that consists of hot highlanders, strong heroines, steamy sex scenes and a story that will have you reeling by the time you flip the last page. I truly can’t wait for the next book by Mary Morgan. For those who are following this series, I will not spoil the biggest twist that comes in this book. I will just say that I am chomping at the bit for what is coming next.

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Today I have the great pleasure of sharing with you another Susan Griscom book. Tempted by a Vampire is the first in a new series. Her talents as a paranormal romance writer exceeds expectations every time I pick up one of her books. For my full review keep reading after the book blurb. Have a wonderful hump day!

Book Blurb:

Cian DeMarco, a sexy, rockstar billionaire vampire has lived in San Francisco’s prestigious Cliff Side neighborhood in his beautiful mansion overlooking both the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean for seventy years. Happily—or so he thought. Until the rare beauty that is Magdalena De la Rosa sits down at one of the front-row tables in Club Royal where he and his band perform once a week.

Magdalena De la Rosa has it all—Bachelor’s degree in journalism, a job she loves in California, a gorgeous apartment in San Francisco, and a dream guy. Except her boyfriend lives and works in Sacramento—an hour and a half drive from the city Magdalena has always fantasized about living in. All her dreams change, however, when she and her girlfriend find their way into an upscale nightclub and she’s suddenly swept off her feet by the lead singer of that night’s performing rock band, The Lost Boys.
Sparks ignite between the two until a threat that was thought to no longer exist returns to wreak havoc on Cian’s and Magdalena’s lives. Will the temptation to be together outweigh the reality of what Cian must do to keep Magdalena safe from harm?

Review:

Cian has lived his immortal life the best way he knows how. He doesn’t imagine anything different. But, when he sees Magdalena first in a restaurant window and then front row of his rock show he feels immediately drawn to her. Magdalena feels the same draw toward this hot rockstar. With his draw comes an air of mystery. Magdalena doesn’t know what Cian is. Once she does will she be able to accept him and this new world or will Cian be forced to compel her to forget everything breaking both of their hearts?

From page one this story will draw you in. You will fall for Cian with his sexy rock star persona added only by his being a vampire. The story weaves expertly between Magdalena and Cian’s stories. This paranormal world hidden beneath the City of San Francisco is delightfully drawn by Susan. Her talent for story telling and character development allows for an addictive story with characters that will remain with you until you are able to pick up her next phenomenal story. If you haven’t read of you Susan Griscom’s paranormal romances I will tell you to pick one up and read it this weekend. I guarantee you won’t regret it.

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Another week and another great book for you. Patricia Sands’ book Promise of Provence melds a fantastic romance with the romantic back drop of the south of France. This story will give everyone, who has had to overcome hurt, hope. For my full review keep reading after the book blurb. Have a great week ahead!

Book Blurb:

On the evening of her twenty-second wedding anniversary, Katherine Price can’t wait to celebrate. But instead of receiving an anniversary card from her husband, she finds a note asking for a divorce.

Fifty-five and suddenly alone, Katherine begins the daunting task of starting over. She has her friends, her aging mother, and her career to occupy her, but the future seems to hold little promise—until, after a winter of heartbreak, Katherine is persuaded to try a home exchange holiday in the South of France.

In Provence, bright fields of flowers bloom below medieval hilltop villages with winding cobblestone streets. Charmed by the picturesque countryside, the breathtaking Côte d’Azur, and the enchantment-filled boulevards of Paris, Katherine feels life opening up once again. Lavender perfumes the air, and chance encounters hint at romance and passion. But memories of heartbreak and betrayal linger—and her former life waits for her back home. Can she find the courage to begin again?

Review:

Katherine finds herself alone after a long 22 yr long marriage and the death of her mother. To get past all of the grief in her life she decides to start participating in home exchange for vacation. When the opportunity to go back to France on the home exchange comes up she refuses to pass it up even if she must go alone. Though she is continuing to battle her feelings of loss, anger and rejection she begins to find herself through her explorations of a country she has fallen in love with. But, when real love comes around will she open her heart back up or will she continue down the path she has been traveling?

I really enjoyed this story. The detailed description of France throws the reader right into the midst of the french lifestyle, countryside and culture. Through Katherine’s eyes we see an ability to overcome that anyone who has felt pain from a loved one will understand. Though the scenic French vistas take front and center in most of the book we also get to experience love and lust as Katherine regains her self confidence and heart. When you read this book, Patricia Sands will make you want to grab your passport and head right over to the south of France. Be prepared to be drawn into the wonder of the european country and feel the love that the characters feel for their surroundings. This is more of a love story about a woman and country but there is the traditional love story thrown in there too. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good love story that has lots of wine and cheese.

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The world of Bookmaven623

You will discover after reading my blog that I am a person of many varied interests and opinions. My book tastes go from Young Adult fiction to Historical Fiction to Paranormal Romance and so many others. The Authors I will profile are ones I have read and continue to read. For any personal information about me you can see my About me page. I warn you reader...I am not a writer but like you an avid reader. So enjoy and I look forward to your comments. :)